Apart from land travel, water is a frequently used means of transports for Kings of old. Since Sukhothai period
when Phra Ruang used barges to float kratongs or lighted candles in floats in the Jong Priang Ceremony in the great
pond as well as fireworks on full moon nights. In the Ayudhaya period, the capital was an island surrounded by many
rivers and canals. Thus boats played a crucial role in transport as well as in battles in form of barge formation.
Many warships were then built during this period.

In times of peace, soldiers still needed to be prepared for emergency or surprise attack. Flood season was naturally
the most suitable time to practice battle formation as the young men were also free from farming. The season also
coincided with the Kathin festival when the King would also present Kathin robes to the temple. So the Kathin ceremony
by barges became a tradition for public celebration and making merit.

A royal barge procession would also be organized when the King wished to travel for both personal enjoyment and official
ceremony such as Crowning Ceremony, Buddhist relics worship or to welcome foreign envoys.

The Suphannahongse Barge (Long Swan head Barge as seen in the picture) is the one of the most famous major barges.
Existing Suphannahongse Royal Barge was remade in the reign of King Vajiravudh, Rama Vl, built by a naval architect,
Korn Hongsakula.The barge has the figure of a golden swan carved and decorated on the bow. It is entirely gilded and
decorated with mirror. The bottom of the barge is painted black on the outside, and red on the inside. It measures
44.90 metres in length, 317 metres in width, 0.90 metres in depth, with a draft of 0.91 metres, and a 3.50 metres power,
manned by 50 rowers and two steersmen, with one flag-bearer, one signalman, and one boat-rowing song singer.